The octuplets of Octomom turn 16 – here’s what their lives are like now.

Supporting a Family of 14: Financial Realities

Unlike what some critics assumed, Suleman did not become wealthy from the birth of the octuplets.

She received no large financial windfall from the media coverage and did not profit significantly from the attention.

In fact, she was unemployed at the time of the octuplets’ birth and had no steady income, and public support was one of the only financial avenues available to help sustain her large family.

In the attempt to support her children and generate income, Suleman turned to several unconventional — and sometimes controversial — jobs. Over the years, she took part in:

These moves were often framed as acts of desperation rather than exploitation — attempts by a single mother to provide for her 14 kids when other options were limited.

Despite her efforts, financial pressures mounted. In 2012, Suleman filed for bankruptcy, reporting around $1 million in debt — a stark reminder that fame did not equate to financial security.

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